High current testing of batteries

Summary form only given, as follows. The demand for portable pulsed power devices for scientific, industrial, educational and other uses is constantly increasing, the need for high-energy batteries as alternative means to power these devices is also increasing. There are a number of different kinds of batteries available. In this work we tested different types of commercial batteries in a high, current mode to determine what is the best in portable pulsed power applications. The testing of the batteries was performed in two modes: short time mode (one second) and long time mode (fifty seconds). Alkaline, carbon, lithium, lithium ion, lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries of different dimensions have been tested to determine the maximum usable power for short and long time modes. The resistance of the load was varied from 1 Ohm to 14 mOhm. Current-voltage characteristics are presented for sixteen different types of batteries. Data are given for maximum power per unit of weight and per unit of volume. The pulsed power applications of the batteries are discussed.